Curiosity

Session 1. Curiosity 101 and Team Building Activity

Your chance to learn everything about Curiosity: what to expect from the program, what little-big goals you should aim to achieve or experience, and two key things—getting to know your peers (read: potential co-founders or a bunch of great people who will support you throughout the program), and being exposed to problem spaces (real-world problems that could turn into business ideas).

Session dates and times
Monday program: 11 August, 3-5pm
Thursday program: 14 August, 5.30-7.30pm 

Session 2. Design Thinking

You'll learn the basics of Design Thinking to help you explore the problem space you’re investigating. This approach helps you think creatively and solve problems in an agile way. Come with an open mind and leave with new ideas.

An optional 1-hour mentoring session will follow the Design Thinking workshop.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 18 August, 3-6pm (incl. Mentoring Session)
Thursday program: 21 August, 5-7.30pm  (incl. Mentoring Session)

Session 3. Intrapreneurship: Innovating within a business

Meet an intrapreneur (don’t know what that is? Either do your research or come ready to learn from our industry guest!) and learn how to pitch your ideas, navigate internal roadblocks, and drive innovation within an organisation. At the end, you’ll have a chance to ask questions—great opportunity to make connections and be seen.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 25 August, 3-5pm
Thursday program: 28 August, 5.30-7.30pm 

Session 4. Prototyping and Universal Design

Prototyping is the fourth stage of Design Thinking. In this session, you’ll not only learn about it—you’ll build your first prototype. Then, we’ll spend 45 minutes thinking critically: how might we design solutions that are inclusive for all users? You’ll be introduced to the Ability Prompt Cards—developed by our partners in Denmark, DTU Skylab—to help you consider all types of users in your design process.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 1 September, 3-5pm
Thursday program: 4 September, 5.30-7.30pm  

Session 5. Simplified Business Model Canvas

Whether you're aiming to sell a billion robots or build a social enterprise, how are you going to make it viable? This session explores a simplified version of the Business Model Canvas, helping you map out key components like your audience, value proposition, revenue model, channels, and partners.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 8 September, 3-5pm
Thursday program: 11 September, 5.30-7.30pm   

Session 6. Pitching & Storytelling Techniques

Learn how to pitch your internal project or business idea in under 3 minutes! You’ll get practical tips and tools to craft a compelling pitch, structure your message, and understand what to include to gain attention, approval, and support.

An optional 1-hour mentoring session will follow the Pitching and Storytelling Techniques workshop.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 15 September, 3-6pm (incl. Mentoring Session)
Thursday program: 18 September, 5-7.30pm  (incl. Mentoring Session)

Session 7. Pitch Event

Time to shine! You’ll present your final project in front of industry guests and receive feedback. The top pitches will win a UQ Ventures kit, a bit of funding to take the idea further, and awesome photos. But regardless of the outcome, this is your moment to pitch in a safe space, celebrate your journey, and feel proud of everything you’ve achieved.

Session dates and times
Monday program: 22 September, 3-5pm
Thursday program: 25 September, 5.30-7.30pm 

Not sure yet if Curiosity is for you?

You're a great fit for Curiosity if you: 

• Are exploring new ideas and what type of project you want to build. 
• Have a rough idea or early concept for a business project you'd like to build. 
• Don’t know how to start a project—whether it’s a startup, a social enterprise, a side hustle, or something internal for an organisation. 
• Are keen to learn the basics about how to innovate within a business, be an intrapreneur!  
• Already have a team. 
• Don’t have a team (yet!)—you’ll meet people during the program and can choose to form a team of 2–3 or go solo if that suits you. 
• Have learned a bit about business plans, design thinking, or ideation, but haven’t put it into practice. 
• Know absolutely nothing about business, startups, or innovation—but you’re keen to give it a go! 
• Or if you are just curious and keen to know more about UQ Ventures. 

Curiosity is open to students, UQ staff, and alumni of all degrees, backgrounds, and ages who are excited to think outside the box. 

At the end of the Curiosity program you will have:

• Connected with other students, alumni, and staff from across the university.
• Gained an understanding of fundamental entrepreneurship concepts.
• Identified a problem you want to solve. 
• Pitched your idea (optional but highly encouraged—it’s super fun and empowering!). 

After completing Curiosity, you can choose to continue your journey through Validate  or other UQ Ventures programs.